If the salt clears it up, that's great. No need to disinfect anything unless it's something really sinister.
1 flat tablespoon of salt per 5 gallons of tank water is the standard dosage. Add a 1/4 dose every 12 hours or so until you reach a full dose. If you change 50% of the water you are removing 50% of the salt in the tank. A half dose then needs to be added back in with the new water.
Is the water green or white in color? Put it in a clear glass and hold it up to the light.

Thank you. I'll have to go and get some salt tomorrow. The water is clear, I just see some "stuff" on my gravel and driftwood. If I scrape at it it floats around in the water. I also see it come out of the filter after doing a water change. Is this just part of the BB or cycle?

Thank you. I'll have to go and get some salt tomorrow. The water is clear, I just see some "stuff" on my gravel and driftwood. If I scrape at it it floats around in the water. I also see it come out of the filter after doing a water change. Is this just part of the BB or cycle?

Brown kinda dust like. Comes off when you whip with your finger? Look up diatoms. Harmless and common in new tanks.

Brown kinda dust like. Comes off when you whip with your finger? Look up diatoms. Harmless and common in new tanks.

Yes, you seem to have "hit the nail on the head." Pretty sure they are diatoms. I'll leave them alone for now and hope for the best. When I do water changes, and the filters are off, I can see the "stuff" floating on top of the water.

Thank you so much for your kind words. I can't wait till I'm fully cycled and have happy, healthy fish!

I can't wait either! I hate to see others struggling with their fish. It is so hard, I know! I've been through it. I almost canned the whole fish keeping idea after I lost my favorite fish. And dealing with treatment for sick fish is so frustrating! Just keep pushing through and eventually you will be able to sit back and enjoy your fish! It's weird when that finally happens though after doing so much work. It almost feels like you "need to do more".

__________________I am so happy I joined Aquarium Advice! I have met some awesome people here!

Oh and any salt that has no anticaking agents or iodine is fine to use. Cheaper then 'special' aquarium salt.

I found some kosher salt, and under ingredients it just says salt. Also saw Morton's Natural Sea Salt, with the ingredients listed as sea salt. Both say there is no supply of iodide. Will either of these work?

I found some kosher salt, and under ingredients it just says salt. Also saw Morton's Natural Sea Salt, with the ingredients listed as sea salt. Both say there is no supply of iodide. Will either of these work?

I haven't added any salt yet, was waiting to make sure it was safe =). So if I change out let's say roughly 20-25 gallons of water, do I need to add salt for all 20-25 gallons? I'm just not 100% sure or comfortable on the method of adding salt.